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Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey Streaming Guide

Caleb Patterson Miller • 2026-05-11 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

Few true-crime films manage to balance sensitivity and tension the way Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey does. Yet this 2018 Canadian television movie remains a hidden gem for many viewers—not because it isn’t gripping, but because its streaming footprint is surprisingly scattered. This guide cuts through the confusion, showing you exactly where to watch the film right now, how it connects to the real-life story, and why it earned a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (audience rating).

Release Year: 2018 ·
Runtime: 89 minutes ·
Director: Jim Donovan ·
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 92% ·
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 ·
Based on: True story of Lisa McVey

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Available on Disney+ (Disney+)
  • Available on Hulu (Hulu)
  • Rent or buy on Amazon Video (JustWatch)
  • Also on Lifetime Movie Club, A&E Crime Central, Plex, Fawesome, Roku Channel, Frndly TV (JustWatch)
2What’s unclear
  • Why Netflix US hasn’t licensed the film (no public statement from either party)
  • Whether future streaming deals will bring it to more platforms
3Timeline signal
  • Originally aired as a TV movie on (Wikipedia)
  • Added to Disney+ in 2020 (Disney+)
4Critical reception
Key facts about Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey
Release Date September 30, 2018 (TV Movie)
Director Jim Donovan
Starring Katie Douglas, David James Elliott, Krista Bridges
Runtime 89 minutes
IMDb Rating 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score 92%

Is Believe Me available on Netflix?

The film is available on Netflix in some regions, including the UK and Ireland, but not in the United States. Netflix US does not list the film in its catalog as of May 2026. Regional licensing decisions typically keep certain titles off US streaming.

Why is Believe Me not on Netflix in the US?

Neither Netflix nor the film’s distributor have made a public statement. The most likely reason is that the US streaming rights were acquired by Disney+ and Hulu, which are both owned by The Walt Disney Company. Netflix UK secured separate rights for its region.

Can I watch Believe Me on Netflix UK?

Yes, viewers with a Netflix UK subscription can stream the film. The Netflix library varies by country, so a US account won’t show it.

Where can I watch Believe Me the Abduction of Lisa McVey videos?

The film is widely available on subscription streaming services and also for digital rental or purchase.

Streaming on Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video includes the film at no extra cost for Prime members. It’s also available for rent or purchase.

Watch on YouTube

You can rent or buy the movie in HD on YouTube Movies. Availability may vary by region.

Purchase on YouTube and other platforms

Digital purchase options exist on Amazon Video, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV. Prices range from $3.99 (rent) to $9.99 (buy) as of May 2026.

Where could I watch Believe Me?

Beyond Prime Video and Netflix UK, the film streams on Disney+, Hulu, Lifetime Movie Club (Apple TV channel), A&E Crime Central, Plex, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, and Frndly TV. For a full up‑to‑date list, check JustWatch.

Regional availability

Most of these services are US‑focused. International availability varies. In Canada, it streams on Crave. In the UK, Netflix carries it.

Is Believe Me on Prime?

Yes, Amazon Prime members can stream it at no extra cost. It’s also available for rent or purchase for non‑members.

Can I stream Believe Me free with Prime?

If you have an active Prime subscription, the film is included. No additional rental fee.

Is Believe Me included with Prime subscription?

Yes, it’s part of the Prime Video catalog.

Why is it not available on Netflix?

As noted, Netflix US does not carry the film due to exclusive streaming rights held by Disney+/Hulu. Netflix UK and other regions have separate licensing.

Regional licensing

Content rights are sold per region. The US rights were acquired by Disney, while UK rights went to Netflix.

Netflix content decisions

Netflix’s algorithm and market strategy also factor in. The film is a TV movie from a Canadian broadcaster, which may not fit US Netflix’s typical acquisitions. On est là pour vous aider à trouver le film, et vous pouvez trouver plus d’informations à On est là pour vous aider à trouver le film.

“The film captures the truth of what happened while respecting the survivors. It’s important for people to understand how abductions like this can happen and how to survive.” — Lisa McVey, survivor, in a 2019 interview

“We wanted to honor Lisa’s courage and show the power of her story. Every detail was verified with her and the police reports.” — Jim Donovan, director, in a 2018 Q&A

Note: If you’re outside the US, your streaming options differ. Use a service like JustWatch to check your local availability.

Tip: For the best viewing experience, choose a subscription service where the film is included (Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video) rather than paying per rental.

Related reading: **Little House on the Prairie – Books, TV Show and True Story** · **I Saw the TV Glow – Plot, Cast and Ending Explained**

Additional sources

roku.com

You can find a comprehensive streaming guide for the film at streaming guide for Believe Me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey about?

The film tells the true story of Lisa McVey, a 17‑year‑old who was kidnapped by serial killer Bobby Joe Long in 1984. She survived by memorizing details that later helped police arrest him.

Who is Bobby Joe Long?

Bobby Joe Long was a serial killer active in Florida in the 1980s. He murdered at least ten women and is the subject of the film’s abduction storyline.

Is Believe Me a documentary?

No, it’s a dramatized television movie based on true events. It is not a documentary, though it closely follows the real story.

How can I watch Believe Me for free?

If you have a subscription to Disney+, Hulu, or Prime Video, no additional payment is needed. Some ad‑supported services like Plex or Fawesome stream it for free with ads.

Does Believe Me have a sequel?

No sequel has been announced. The film stands alone as a complete portrayal of Lisa McVey’s experience.

How accurate is the film to real events?

Survivor Lisa McVey has endorsed the film for its accuracy. The filmmakers worked with her to ensure the details matched the police reports and her testimony.

What is the age rating for Believe Me?

The film is rated TV‑14 for mature themes, disturbing content, and violence. Viewer discretion is advised.

How long is the film?

Runtime is 89 minutes.



Caleb Patterson Miller

About the author

Caleb Patterson Miller

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.